Unwanted Beetle Highlights Need For A Review

Following the discovery of an unwanted beetle from Germany,
National's Biosecurity spokesperson Eric Roy has today
renewed his call for protocols around imported materials
passing through our boarders to be reviewed.

"The
Government needs to be reminded that biosecurity is a much
wider issue than just lessening the risks inbound passengers
bring.

"We must increase the surveillance at every
boarder site. Risks to New Zealand's biosecurity are ongoing
and protocols around importing the likes of machinery and
materials must be reviewed. The fact that I have an
identified beetle from Germany in my office is
testimony."

Mr Roy said a South Island importer found the
beetle in one of the many food containers he was importing.

"Apart from the risk to New Zealand, it is not
unreasonable to expect higher standards given that the
imported container was for a value-added product that is an
approved organic food," he said.

The black beetle will be
sent to MAF for identification and inquiries as to how it
got here.

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